Alston was born on April 8, 1932, in Siler City to Nell Perry Smith and James Lytle Smith. She graduated from Siler City High School and attended Woman’s College (UNC – Greensboro). She moved to Cary in 1965 and became a member of Apex United Methodist Church where she had served over the years in several capacities, including the Board of Trustees and the Administrative Board. She had served as president of the Cary Arts Guild and had been a member of the Cary Planning and Zoning Board.

Alston was preceded in death by her parents, brother Douglas Smith, nephew Jim Brewer, niece Kathy Smith, and brothers-in-law Jack Barksdale, James L. Brewer Sr. and W.R. Adkins. She is survived by her beloved husband of 56 years, Thomas Cheatham Alston and sisters Shirley S. Brewer of Siler City, Nell S. Barksdale of Jamestown and Patricia S. Adkins of Clinton; niece Jennifer B. McBee; nephews Jeff Brewer of Chattanooga, TN; David Barksdale of Winston-Salem, and Mike Adkins of Hamilton, OH; plus several great-nieces and great-nephews; and one great-great nephew. She cherished them all.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, Oct. 26 at Apex United Methodist Church, 100 S. Hughes St., Apex. Visitation will be held after the service. Inurnment will take place at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the N.C. Children’s Advocacy Commission or Apex United Methodist Church. Condolences may be made online at www.apexfuneral.com.